Patents by Inventor Kurt Konolige

Kurt Konolige has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230398683
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Patent number: 11727593
    Abstract: Methods for annotating objects within image frames are disclosed. Information is obtained that represents a camera pose relative to a scene. The camera pose includes a position and a location of the camera relative to the scene. Data is obtained that represents multiple images, including a first image and a plurality of other images, being captured from different angles by the camera relative to the scene. A 3D pose of the object of interest is identified with respect to the camera pose in at least the first image. A 3D bounding region for the object of interest in the first image is defined, which indicates a volume that includes the object of interest. A location and orientation of the object of interest is determined in the other images based on the defined 3D bounding region of the object of interest and the camera pose in the other images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Paul Wohlhart
  • Patent number: 11691273
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Publication number: 20230090275
    Abstract: A method includes determining, based on a similarity measure, correlation scores between a target pixel and each of a candidate matching pixel, a left neighboring pixel of the candidate matching pixel, and a right neighboring pixel of the candidate matching pixel. When the correlation scores indicate that a neighboring pixel of the candidate matching pixel is better correlated to the target pixel than the candidate matching pixel, (i) a correlation score is determined between the target pixel and a second neighboring pixel of the neighboring pixel that is opposite the candidate matching pixel in the second image and (ii) an interpolation is fit to the correlation scores of the neighboring pixel, the second neighboring pixel, and the candidate matching pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventor: Kurt Konolige
  • Patent number: 11565401
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to receiving a request that includes robot instructions and/or environmental parameters, operating each of a plurality of robots based on the robot instructions and/or in an environment configured based on the environmental parameters, and storing data generated by the robots during the operating. In some implementations, at least part of the stored data that is generated by the robots is provided in response to the request and/or additional data that is generated based on the stored data is provided in response to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pastor Sampedro, Mrinal Kalakrishnan, Ali Yahya Valdovinos, Adrian Li, Kurt Konolige, Vincent Dureau
  • Patent number: 11425353
    Abstract: An example method includes receiving first and second images from a first and second imager. The method further includes determining first correlation scores between a target pixel from the first image and respective pixels from the second image based on a first similarity measure. The method also includes identifying a candidate matching pixel to the target pixel based on the first correlation scores. The method further includes determining second correlation scores between the target pixel and each of the candidate matching pixel, a left neighboring pixel, and a right neighboring pixel based on a second similarity measure. The method also includes determining whether the candidate matching pixel is better correlated to the target pixel than each of the neighboring pixels based on the second correlation scores. After determining that the candidate matching pixel is better correlated, the method further includes determining a disparity value by interpolating the second correlation scores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Konolige
  • Patent number: 11383380
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Intrinsic Innovation LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Steve Croft, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee, Troy Straszheim, John Zevenbergen, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Hauke Strasdat
  • Patent number: 11341364
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training an action selection neural network that is used to control a robotic agent interacting with a real-world environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Konstantinos Bousmalis, Alexander Irpan, Paul Wohlhart, Yunfei Bai, Mrinal Kalakrishnan, Julian Ibarz, Sergey Vladimir Levine, Kurt Konolige, Vincent O. Vanhoucke, Matthew Laurance Kelcey
  • Publication number: 20220058419
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Patent number: 11209265
    Abstract: Methods and systems for depth sensing are provided. A system includes a first and second optical sensor each including a first plurality of photodetectors configured to capture visible light interspersed with a second plurality of photodetectors configured to capture infrared light within a particular infrared band. The system also includes a computing device configured to (i) identify first corresponding features of the environment between a first visible light image captured by the first optical sensor and a second visible light image captured by the second optical sensor; (ii) identify second corresponding features of the environment between a first infrared light image captured by the first optical sensor and a second infrared light image captured by the second optical sensor; and (iii) determine a depth estimate for at least one surface in the environment based on the first corresponding features and the second corresponding features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Konolige
  • Patent number: 11195041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Patent number: 11151744
    Abstract: Methods for annotating objects within image frames are disclosed. Information is obtained that represents a camera pose relative to a scene. The camera pose includes a position and a location of the camera relative to the scene. Data is obtained that represents multiple images, including a first image and a plurality of other images, being captured from different angles by the camera relative to the scene. A 3D pose of the object of interest is identified with respect to the camera pose in at least the first image. A 3D bounding region for the object of interest in the first image is defined, which indicates a volume that includes the object of interest. A location and orientation of the object of interest is determined in the other images based on the defined 3D bounding region of the object of interest and the camera pose in the other images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Paul Wohlhart
  • Publication number: 20210187736
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining 3D scene geometry by projecting patterns of light onto a scene are provided. In an example method, a first projector may project a first random texture pattern having a first wavelength and a second projector may project a second random texture pattern having a second wavelength. A computing device may receive sensor data that is indicative of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor. Based on the received sensor data, the computing device may determine corresponding features between sensor data associated with the first viewpoint and sensor data associated with the second viewpoint. And based on the determined corresponding features, the computing device may determine an output including a virtual representation of the environment that includes depth measurements indicative of distances to at least one object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee
  • Patent number: 10981270
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to receiving a request that includes robot instructions and/or environmental parameters, operating each of a plurality of robots based on the robot instructions and/or in an environment configured based on the environmental parameters, and storing data generated by the robots during the operating. In some implementations, at least part of the stored data that is generated by the robots is provided in response to the request and/or additional data that is generated based on the stored data is provided in response to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Peter Pastor Sampedro, Mrinal Kalakrishnan, Ali Yahya Valdovinos, Adrian Li, Kurt Konolige, Vincent Dureau
  • Patent number: 10967506
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining 3D scene geometry by projecting patterns of light onto a scene are provided. In an example method, a first projector may project a first random texture pattern having a first wavelength and a second projector may project a second random texture pattern having a second wavelength. A computing device may receive sensor data that is indicative of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor. Based on the received sensor data, the computing device may determine corresponding features between sensor data associated with the first viewpoint and sensor data associated with the second viewpoint. And based on the determined corresponding features, the computing device may determine an output including a virtual representation of the environment that includes depth measurements indicative of distances to at least one object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee
  • Publication number: 20200279134
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training an action selection neural network that is used to control a robotic agent interacting with a real-world environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Konstantinos Bousmalis, Alexander Irpan, Paul Wohlhart, Yunfei Bai, Mrinal Kalakrishnan, Julian Ibarz, Sergey Vladimir Levine, Kurt Konolige, Vincent O. Vanhoucke, Matthew Laurance Kelcey
  • Publication number: 20200265260
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Patent number: 10671874
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to generating a model for an object encountered by a robot in its environment, where the object is one that the robot is unable to recognize utilizing existing models associated with the robot. The model is generated based on vision sensor data that captures the object from multiple vantages and that is captured by a vision sensor associated with the robot, such as a vision sensor coupled to the robot. The model may be provided for use by the robot in detecting the object and/or for use in estimating the pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Konolige, Nareshkumar Rajkumar, Stefan Hinterstoisser
  • Patent number: 10656646
    Abstract: An example method includes determining a target area of a ground plane in an environment of a mobile robotic device, where the target area of the ground plane is in front of the mobile robotic device in a direction of travel of the mobile robotic device. The method further includes receiving depth data from a depth sensor on the mobile robotic device. The method also includes identifying a portion of the depth data representative of the target area. The method additionally includes determining that the portion of the depth data lacks information representing at least one section of the target area. The method further includes providing an output signal identifying at least one zone of non-traversable space for the mobile robotic device in the environment, where the at least one zone of non-traversable space corresponds to the at least one section of the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Kevin William Watts, Kurt Konolige
  • Publication number: 20200078938
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to methods and systems for selecting a grasp point on an object. In particular, a robotic manipulator may identify characteristics of a physical object within a physical environment. Based on the identified characteristics, the robotic manipulator may determine potential grasp points on the physical object corresponding to points at which a gripper attached to the robotic manipulator is operable to grip the physical object. Subsequently, the robotic manipulator may determine a motion path for the gripper to follow in order to move the physical object to a drop-off location for the physical object and then select a grasp point, from the potential grasp points, based on the determined motion path. After selecting the grasp point, the robotic manipulator may grip the physical object at the selected grasp point with the gripper and move the physical object through the determined motion path to the drop-off location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Steve Croft, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee, Troy Straszheim, John Zevenbergen, Stefan Hinterstoisser, Hauke Strasdat